Piano ballads of Western music—from timeless hits to the latest songs
The tones born from the piano—a percussion instrument and a string instrument—overflow with a charm that captivates the hearts of us Japanese and won’t let go.
When we think of popular music where the piano takes center stage—playing a bubbly melody when we’re happy and a tune that gently accompanies our hearts when we’re feeling down—it has to be ballads.
In this article, we bring together timeless masterpieces of piano-centered Western ballads, spanning from classic favorites to the latest hits, resonating across generations.
Enjoy a richly varied selection that transcends genres—not only classic piano-and-voice ballads, but also rock ballads, jazz, pop, and more.
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Piano Ballads of Western Music: From Classic Hits to the Latest Songs (1–10)
Skinny LoveBirdy
“Skinny Love” is originally a song by the American band Bon Iver, and Birdy covered it in 2011, making it her first hit.
While the original is performed on acoustic guitar, Birdy’s version is played on piano.
The sound of the grand piano, which doesn’t resonate excessively, somehow feels sorrowful.
The recording technique even captures the sound of the pedal in motion, giving it a raw quality that makes you feel as if you’re listening to the song up close.
Yesterday Once MoreCarpenters
When it comes to quintessential piano ballads of the 1970s, the Carpenters’ “Yesterday Once More” surely comes to mind.
Released as a single in 1973, it reached No.
2 on the charts in both the U.S.
and the U.K., and it remains very popular in Japan as well.
Richard Carpenter’s piano, which supports Karen Carpenter’s distinctive vocals, provides a wonderful accompaniment—calm and understated, yet full of love.
Many of you have probably heard it before, but why not give it another listen with a special focus on the piano?
If I Ain’t Got YouAlicia Keys
“If I Ain’t Got You” is a song by R&B singer Alicia Keys and one of her signature hits worldwide.
The album it appears on, The Diary of Alicia Keys, won the Grammy Award for Best Album.
Alicia’s piano playing is powerful yet delicate, mirroring qualities found in her voice.
The intro’s piano consists of a simple repeating phrase, which makes it very memorable and catchy.
Piano Ballads of Western Music: From Classic Hits to the Newest Songs (11–20)
YOUR SONGElton John
One of the quintessential Western piano ballads, “Your Song.” Elton John’s signature piece, “Your Song,” was a massive hit that reached the top 10 on both the UK and US charts.
The piano phrase in the intro is incredibly famous.
The calmly played piano tone is beautiful, and the piano licks woven between the vocals add rich color to the song.
Elton John’s piano has a sound that seems to reflect his gentle yet powerful character—be sure to give it a listen!
The ScientistColdplay
“The Scientist” is a song by the British rock band Coldplay.
It was released as a single from their 2002 album “A Rush of Blood to the Head.” The album as a whole makes prominent use of piano, and “The Scientist” is a ballad that features an upright piano.
The muted, warm tone characteristic of an upright piano suits the song well and resonates gently, doesn’t it?
All of MeJohn Legend
John Legend’s “All of Me” is his biggest hit, released in 2013.
Its popularity grew steadily after its release, and in 2014 it reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Performed as a piano-and-vocal piece, the understated accompaniment highlights his voice.
In the chorus, the piano traces the melody, adding a more emotional expression.
It stands alongside Pharrell Williams’s “Happy” as one of the defining songs of 2014 and a quintessential piano ballad!
AngelsRobbie Williams
The single released in 1997 by Robbie Williams, who had been active as a member of Take That, is “Angels.” It reached number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and became a worldwide hit.
The piano is played by British singer-songwriter Guy Chambers, whose simple, resonant low-register accompaniment supports Williams.
“Angels” has also been covered by various artists, so be sure to give it a listen!